10-09-17 City Council Work Session MinutesKALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 9, 2017
View the minutes attached to the audio of the meeting at:
http://kalispell.com/mayor and city council/Streaming AV.php
A WORK SESSION OF THE KALISPELL CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT 7:00 PM ON
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2017, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT CITY HALL IN
KALISPELL, MONTANA. MAYOR MARK JOHNSON PRESIDED. COUNCIL MEMBERS
JIM ATKINSON, SANDY CARLSON, KARI GABRIEL, CHAD GRAHAM, PHIL
GUIFFRIDA, TIM KLUESNER, ROD KUNTZ, AND WAYNE SAVERUD WERE
PRESENT.
Also present: City Manager Doug Russell, City Attorney Charles Harball, Planning Director Tom
Jentz, and Senior Planner Jarod Nygren.
Mayor Johnson called the work session to order.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. City Airport Lease Discussion
Russell updated council with a brief history of the airport, the meetings that have been held so far,
and where we are today. He then detailed the changes made to each section of the draft lease.
There was discussion after each lease section.
After much discussion, Russell requested direction from council as to lease amendments.
Public Comment
Zack Anderson, representing the Airport User's Group, noted he understands the general idea of the
changes council has requested and will go back and make them.
Scott Davis, representing Quiet Skies, stated they want to know if the airport is a 13-1 or a B-2 airport
because they don't want a lot of noise and large aircraft using it, and they want it in the lease that
they can't.
Arlen Berg, 1935 Bluestone, General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn, says he is in support of airport
expansion and for allowing larger planes, which will bring in more business and more jobs.
Mayor Johnson remarked he is excited to see a long term solution for the airport.
2. Downtown Plan
Nygren described the history and background of the Downtown Plan, noting downtown is valued at
approximately $3.3 million per acre. He said staff conducted lots of public outreach and
Kalispell City Council Work Session Minutes
October 9, 2017
Page 1
presentations.
Nygren also noted the Montana Department of Transportation's Record of Decision is that US 93
around the courthouse couplet should be a four lane road.
There was discussion regarding 1 st Avenues East and West; staff will not recommend they be made
one way streets.
Nygren and Jentz answered questions.
There was discussion regarding the courthouse couplet: MDT is using a 25 year old Environmental
Impact Statement that recommends a four lane road. Staff feels that a three lane road will be just as
fast and safer than a four lane road around the couplet and downtown, which would change the
character and configuration of downtown.
There was discussion regarding needing a new environmental impact statement.
There was further discussion.
Council consensus was to move the plan forward to the next step.
Public Comment
Sid Doud, 4th Ward Candidate, remarked he had some misconceptions before the presentation and
asked if there was any thought on how to promote business growth.
Fran Taber, Al Vacuum, commented that we need sidewalks from the residential areas to the
downtown area and not new sidewalks downtown. She asked that the city cater to people already
living here.
Pam Carbonari, Kalispell Downtown Association, remarked that they are pleased with the document,
and there are many 2nd floor options if we could get grants. She said the city needs to develop
building standards for the downtown and the core area and that downtown has to be a destination.
Scott Davis asked if there was any evaluation for diagonal parking, which would slow people down
and create more parking.
MAYOR/COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER REPORTS
Russell noted council consensus was to move forward with downtown plan, and noted he will get
back with the Airport User's group for lease changes and to create some options.
Mayor Johnson commented there is a 911 meeting Wednesday afternoon and said he is disappointed
that we do not have more people asking questions of council and the planning board. He encouraged
everyone to not jump to conclusions and to inquire and collaborate with other groups.
Kalispell City Council Work Session Minutes
October 9, 2017
Page 2
ADJOURN
The work session was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
Prepared by:
Judi Funk
Attest: Deputy City Clerk
' jSP �r�rP`se
r
Aimeg Brunckhorst, CMC
City Clerk
,y� r
�l<Atilllllllt�����
Kalispell City Council Work Session Minutes
October 9, 2017
Page 3